Thank you both for the quick responses. WS, you're right that on the one hand I'm looking for something inexpensive and on the other hand I'm attracted to more of the high-end features. A lot of it is that I can't get my hands on anything to try or see what I like. So I'm open to something w/ fine tuners or pickup, or w/out. In an ideal world I'd probably begin with a starter model and grow into something of higher quality--and perhaps with some of the mods you suggest--but at this point up here in the cold I'll take what I can get. Dang that border.

Thanks again. Any more ideas anyone?